Contaminant scanning system

ABSTRACT

A method of inspecting a cargo container for chemical or biological materials, comprising: providing a vapor collection unit in the container, allowing vapors to be collected from the container into the collection unit, removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container through a port of the container, not primarily used for loading or removing cargo from the container, and analyzing the vapors collected by the vapor collection unit for traces of one or more particulates.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems for identifying the presence of chemical or biological materials and in particular to screening systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One method for scanning containers for chemical or biological materials, such as explosives, drugs, toxins, pesticides, or any other hazardous or non-hazardous material, be it natural or fabricated, is collecting vapors and small particles (referred to collectively herein as vapors) from the container and passing the vapors to a detection system (also known as a trace analyzer) which determines whether the vapors include traces of specific materials.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,580,440 and 4,718,268 to Reid et al., the disclosures of which documents are incorporated herein by reference, suggest agitating freight cargo containers to release particles from the cargo into the space of the container. At an inspection point, a small hole is made in the container and a pipe is connected to the hole to collect vapors from the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,714 to Megerle, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a semi-trailer container including holes in one of its walls for passing air through them, so as to simplify collection of air samples from the container.

When large containers are involved, the time involved in collecting the samples in order that they reflect the entire content of the container is relatively long.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,927,688 to Tice and U.S. Pat. No. 7,002,472 to Stratmoen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe sensors permanently located within the container for collecting chemicals and analyzing them. The sensors wirelessly transmit warnings when an unauthorized chemical is identified in the container. This solution, however, is quite costly as each container requires a separate trace analyzer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A general aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to inserting a sample collection unit into a container, removing the collection unit from the container after a journey, through a port not primarily used for inserting or removing cargo, and analyzing the contents of the collection unit to determine whether the container held non-allowed materials. Optionally, the sample collection unit is also inspected before the journey of the container to ascertain its operability.

PCT patent application PCT/IL03/00041, published as WO 03/087777, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, suggests placing one or more collection units in a mail bag or cargo casing before its journey and removing them after the journey for inspection.

An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a container having a portal for quick insertion of a sample collection unit into the container and/or quick removal of the collection unit from the container. A sample collection unit is inserted into the container using the portal at a first location (e.g., a source port) and is removed from the container through the portal at a second location (e.g., a destination port), where the sample collection unit is tested to determine whether the container includes a suspect material. Using a separate portal for inserting and/or removing the sample collection unit allows easy insertion and removal of the sample collection unit, without disrupting the contents of the container and without opening the seals of the container. Opening the seals increases the ease of pilferage of the contents of the container.

In some embodiments of the invention, the portal is adapted to receive a lock, which prevents unauthorized tampering or replacement of the collection unit and/or a seal, which allows identification of unauthorized access through the portal to the collection unit.

Possibly, the portal is included in a set of double portals, which define between them a chamber in which the sample collection unit is placed. Generally, at any specific time, only one of the portals is opened, such that vapors are not allowed to escape the container when the outer portal is opened for insertion and/or removal of the sample collection unit.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inspecting a cargo container for chemical or biological materials, comprising: providing a vapor collection unit in the container;

allowing vapors to be collected from the container into the collection unit; removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container through a port of the container, not primarily used for loading or removing cargo from the container; and analyzing the vapors collected by the vapor collection unit for traces of one or more particulates.

Providing the vapor collection unit may comprise placing the vapor collection unit in the container when the container is at a first location and wherein removing the collection unit comprises removing when the container is at a second location.

Placing the vapor collection unit in the container may comprise inserting the collection unit into the container through the port.

Analyzing the vapors may comprise analyzing by an analyzer not located within the container while the container is transferred to the second location.

Removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container may comprise removing the vapor collection unit from the container, or removing the vapors through the port while the vapor collection unit remains in the container.

The port may be substantially smaller than a door of the container through which cargo is loaded into the container.

The port may be smaller than 500 square centimeters.

The port may lead to a chamber which is separated from the remaining volume of the container at least by barred walls.

Providing the vapor collection unit in the container may comprise providing such that at least a portion of a casing of the vapor collection unit remains outside the container.

The port may be locked in order to limit unauthorized access to the vapor collection unit through the port.

The port may be sealed in a manner which allows identification of unauthorized access to the vapor collection unit through the port.

An air flow generator passing air from the interior of the container through the vapor collection unit may be operated, so as to induce collection of vapors in the collection unit.

Operating the air flow generator may comprise operating intermittently, or substantially continuously until a battery is drained or until the vapors are removed from the container.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for transporting cargo, comprising: an enclosure adapted to receive cargo; one or more doors of the enclosure through which cargo may be inserted into the container; a port in the enclosure substantially smaller than the one or more doors; and a holding fixture adjacent the port, adapted to hold a vapor collection unit adjacent the port.

The port may have an opening area of less than 200 square centimeters.

The holding fixture may comprise a vapor collection unit.

An air flow generator may be permanently fixed adjacent the port.

The port may be covered by a door, which may be configured to close automatically when not held open.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the figures. Identical structures, elements or parts which appear in more than one figure are preferably labeled with a same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a cargo container, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a wall of a container with a port defined therein and a collection unit located therein, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a compartment for receiving a vapor collection unit, within a container, in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of acts performed in handling a container and inspecting the container for chemical or biological materials, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a vapor collection unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Container Overview

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a container 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Container 100 is adapted to receive and transport cargo of substantially any type, such as personal belongings or industrial produce. In FIG. 1, container 100 includes a pair of large doors 102 and 104, which are used to insert cargo into container 100 and to remove cargo therefrom.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, container 100 includes a small port 105, possibly covered by a port door 106, through which a vapor collection unit 110, possibly using an electrostatic collection mechanism, can be inserted into the container, without opening large doors 102 or 104. Possibly, container 100 includes a shelf 122 next to small door 106, on which vapor collection unit 110 is placed. In some embodiments of the invention, shelf 122 includes a rack, clamp, belt or other apparatus which holds vapor collection unit 110 in place and prevents it from moving around within container 100.

Door 106 optionally has a lock 112, which prevents unauthorized opening of the door. Alternatively or additionally, a seal 118 on door 106 prevents unnoticed opening of door 106. Further alternatively or additionally, any other method known in the art is used to prevent unauthorized replacement of vapor collection unit 110. For example, any of the anti-tamper sensors described in US patent publication 2004/0113783, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is used.

Port Location

While in FIG. 1 port 105 is shown as being located on door 104, in other embodiments of the invention, door 106 may be located on other walls of container 100, such as back wall 130, a side wall 132 or its roof 134. Possibly, door 106 is located in an upper portion of door 104 or the wall in which it is located, so that when door 106 is opened the amount of vapors exiting the container is small. Alternatively, door 106 is located toward the bottom of container 100, so that vapors settle toward the location of collection unit 110.

Optionally, container 100 includes a plurality of small ports such as port 105, and the small port used for insertion of collection unit 110 is selected for each journey as the most convenient small door. Possibly, a plurality of collection units 110 are placed in a plurality of locations within container 100, for example using a plurality of different ports. The decision on how many collection units 110 to use, may depend for example on the type of cargo carried by the container 100 and/or the origin of the container.

Port Size and Shape

Port 105 is optionally sufficiently large to allow fast insertion and/or removal of vapor collection unit 110, but is not too large, so as to minimize the amount of vapors that exit container 100 when door 106 is opened and/or to prevent pilferage of the cargo of the container through port 105. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, door 106 has an area of less than half a square meter, less than 500 square centimeters or even less than 100 square centimeters, such that a person cannot enter container 100 through port 105.

Alternatively or additionally, port 105 is shaped in a manner which allows insertion of collection unit 110 but generally prevents use of port 105 for removal of cargo from container 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a wall 232 of a container with a port 205 defined therein and a collection unit 210 within the port, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, port 205 has an irregular shape, which is hard to use for access to the cargo in the container, but matches a shape of a respective collection unit 210, also having a similar irregular shape. Possibly, collection unit 210 includes one or more bars 208 or other means which prevent insertion of collection unit 210 beyond a desired extent. Possibly, one or more attachment units 212 lock onto bars 208 and secure collection unit 210 in place.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a compartment 302 for receiving a vapor collection unit, within a container 300, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Compartment 302 comprises a pair of opposite barred walls 304 which allow free passage of air between compartment 302 and the remaining interior of container 300, but do not allow access to the interior of the container for removal of cargo therefrom. The remaining walls of compartment 302 may be solid or may be barred, possibly allowing freer flow of air into the compartment. An opening 305 is used to access compartment 302 from outside the container, allowing insertion and removal of a collection unit 110 without opening the doors of the container. A door 306 is optionally used to close compartment 302 and prevent unauthorized access to the collection unit.

In some embodiments of the invention, compartment 302 has a second door (not shown) which allows access to the compartment from within the container, for example allowing placement of collection unit 110 in place when the container is being loaded. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, instead of a single door, a set of double doors including an inner door and an outer door, is used. Possibly, before opening the outer door, the inner door is closed, thus minimizing escape of vapors.

Door 106 (or 306) may be formed of the same material as container 100, e.g., a metal, or may be formed of other materials. In some embodiments of the invention, door 106 is formed of an elastic material, such as rubber, which allows insertion and removal of collection unit 110 and closes automatically when the port is not in use.

Usage

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of acts performed in handling container 100 and inspecting the container for chemical or biological materials such as explosives, drugs, toxins, pesticides, or any other hazardous or non-hazardous materials, be it natural or fabricated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Container 100 is loaded (200) with a cargo, through doors 102 and 104. At a first location, which may be the cargo loading location or another location, for example at a source port, door 106 is opened and vapor collection unit 110 is placed (202) within container 100. Door 106 is then closed, and optionally locked (204) and/or sealed (206). Possibly, the date and/or time at which vapor collection unit 110 is placed within container 100 is marked (208) on seal 118 and/or at any other convenient place, for example within container 100. Container 100 is transferred (210) toward a destination of its cargo. During the transfer towards the destination, collection unit 110 collects (211) vapors from the container. At a second location, for example a port near the destination, door 106 is opened and vapor collection unit 110 is removed (212) from container 100. The contents of collection unit 110 are analyzed (214) to determine whether container 100 includes materials (e.g., chemicals) that it should not. If unauthorized materials are not detected, container 100 is transferred to its destination. If, however, traces of unauthorized materials are identified in container 100, a more in depth scrutiny of container 100 is optionally performed and/or the container is quarantined.

Referring in more detail to placing (202) collection unit 110 in container 100, in some embodiments of the invention the vapor collection unit is placed by a border inspection official at a port from which the cargo is shipped towards its destination. Alternatively, collection unit 110 is placed (202) within container 100 at the time of loading container 100, possibly not by an inspection official. At the second location, if collection unit 110 is not found in its intended position within container 100, the container is thoroughly inspected possibly at an extra cost to the owner of the cargo and/or its shipment is delayed, thus providing an incentive to place collection unit 110 in container 100. Possibly, when collection unit 110 is examined (214) to determine whether it includes chemical or biological materials, the collection unit is tested to make sure it is operative. Alternatively or additionally, seal 118, lock 112 and/or the time and date markings are checked to verify that vapor collection unit 110 was within the container for a sufficient period to collect a sizable amount of suspect materials.

As to locking (204) and sealing (206) door 106, substantially any known method may be used to prevent unauthorized tampering with collection unit 110 between the first and second locations. The lock used may be built into door 106 or may be provided separately, may require a key, a smart-card (e.g., RFID) or may be opened by a code or any other means. Possibly, the lock is set to automatically open at the time at which the container 100 is to reach the second location. In some embodiments of the invention, an anti-tampering sensor, e.g., an intrusion sensor, is used to identify unauthorized access to collection unit 110.

Vapor Release and Collection

In transferring (210) container 100 from the first location to the second location, the container is generally jogged in a manner which causes release of vapors from its contents, such that the released vapors of such materials are collected by collection unit 110. In some embodiments of the invention, container 100 is purposely jogged before removal of collection unit 110 therefrom, so that vapors are released into the air of the container. Substantially any agitation method known in the art for vapor release may be applied to container 100, including driving the container over a bumpy road, irregular movements by a crane and/or placement on a vibrating base, with regular or irregular vibrations.

Optionally, the jogging of the cargo and/or the long term placement of collection unit 110 with the cargo within container 100, is relied upon to release vapors from the cargo and collection unit 110 does not apply vapor release inducement measures. Alternatively, collection unit 110 includes one or more units for inducing vapor release from the cargo in container 100. For example, collection unit 110 may include a chamber for release of gas jets, which induce vapor release from the cargo. Further alternatively or additionally, in addition to inserting collection unit 110 into container 100, one or more separate units for inducement of vapor release are provided within the container. Such units may be as described, for example, in US patent publication US2005/0181520 and/or US patent publication US2006/0060006, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The vapor release inducement units may be placed within container 100 adjacent collection unit 110 and/or at different locations (possibly opposite ends) in container 100. The measures used for inducing vapor release are possibly selected as measures that are simple and cheap, so as not to increase substantially the cost of the inspection process in general and specifically the cost of collection unit 110.

Referring in more detail to collecting vapors (211), in some embodiments of the invention the collection is actively induced by a fan, blower, pump or other air flow generator which induces flow of air from the container through the collection unit. The air flow generator may operate continuously to maximize the amount of air passing through the collection unit. Alternatively, the air flow generator operates intermittently, periodically or at irregular times, in order to minimize power consumption. A timer or controller is optionally used to control the operation of the air flow generator without human intervention. In some embodiments of the invention, a sensor is used to determine when the conditions in container 100 are best suited for vapor collection and the air flow generator is operated at these times. For example, a temperature sensor may initiate the operation of the air flow generator when the temperature within the container is above a predetermined level.

In addition to collecting vapors, collection unit 110 may include one or more other sensors which collect other information, such as temperature, humidity, light, or air-pressure within the container. These additional measurements may be useful for determining whether the container had been opened after the installation of the collection unit.

In some embodiments of the invention, the transfer distance between the first and second locations is at least a kilometer or even at least 10 kilometers, so as to allow sufficient time for vapor collection.

Collection Unit

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section illustration of vapor collection unit 110, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, collection unit 110 includes a fan 502 and a vapor collection chamber 504, as is known in the art. In some embodiments of the invention, collection unit 110 includes screens 506 on its opposite sides along a path of air flow through the collection unit, so as to prevent accumulation of large dirt therein. A battery 508 optionally provides power for operation of fan 502 and any other elements of collection unit 110 requiring power. Collection unit 110 may operate continuously until it is removed from container 100 or until its power source is drained out. In some embodiments of the invention, a timer 510 controls the operation of fan 502. Alternatively or additionally, a controller is used to set the timing of fan 502. Collection unit 110 possibly operates according to a pre-configured operation program stored in the controller. It is noted, however, that in some embodiments of the invention the controller, if included, is made as simple as possible, so that collection unit 110 is cheap so that each one of the thousands of containers being shipped concurrently can be assigned a separate collection unit.

Further alternatively or additionally, collection unit 110 operates according to commands provided from an external controller or control panel, for example a controller located on an outer wall of container 100. For example, fan 502 may be turned on/off by a button located on a wall of container 100, so that an operator can turn off the fan before the container is opened and/or at any other desired time.

Alternatively or additionally to battery 508, collection unit 110 is connected to an external power source, possibly located within container 100. Alternatively, a passive vapor collection unit, which does not require a battery or a controller, is used.

Possibly, collection unit 110 includes a suction tube leading to chamber 504, which only allows flow in one direction, so as to prevent loss of samples in case of decompression of collection unit 110, for example due to power failure. In some embodiments of the invention, the suction tube includes one way valves which prevent backflow. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure in collection unit 110 and/or in the collection chamber is controlled, so as prevent flow in the incorrect direction.

In some embodiments of the invention, in an analysis (214) stage, collection unit 110 is removed in its entirety from container 100 and is connected to a trace analyzer. Possibly, in parallel to inspection, battery 508 is recharged and chamber 504 is cleaned for a subsequent inspection session. In accordance with some of these embodiments, collection unit 110 includes all its elements in a single housing, allowing easy placement and removal.

Alternatively, chamber 504 is removed from collection unit 110 and is taken on its own for inspection by a trace analyzer. In some embodiments of the invention, vapor collection unit 110 comprises a first portion which is permanently installed in the container and a second portion which is easily removable. The removable portion may include the collection chamber alone or both the collection chamber 504 and a battery which powers the air flow generator. In some embodiments of the invention, the removable portion includes other parts of the vapor collection chamber, such as filters that require periodic cleaning or replacement.

Further alternatively, chamber 504 is not removed from container 100, but rather a pipe (not shown) is connected to collection unit 110 through small port 105 and the contents of chamber 504 are pumped therefrom into a trace analyzer or into a portable chamber to be brought to the analyzer. Possibly, the pipe is connected to the port of the container, such that the pipe itself does not substantially enter container 100 when connected to collection unit 110. Possibly, small port 105 connects entirely to the pipe. Alternatively, small port 105 includes a connector for the pipe and additionally one or more other openings, possibly allowing hand access into the container for cleaning, repair and/or maintenance of collection unit 110. In some embodiments of the invention, the pipe is passed through small port 105 into container 100 and is connected to collection unit 110 within the container.

In some embodiments of the invention, an electronic connector is also attached to collection unit 110 through small port 105 in order to collect an ID of the collection unit and/or various information collected in parallel to the collection of the vapors, such as temperature records. The electric connection is also possibly used to recharge battery 508 of collection unit 110 and/or to reboot, calibrate and/or test the collection unit. Possibly, the connected pipe has electric wires extending along it, and a same connector is used for both the electronic wires and the pipe.

Container 100 may be of substantially any type and/or shape. In some embodiments of the invention, container 100 is of a standard size used in shipping, having a volume of at least 10 cube meters, at least 20 cube meters or even at least 40 cube meters. Optionally, container 100 has a length of 20 feet or 40 feet.

It will be appreciated that the above described methods may be varied in many ways, including, changing the order of steps, and/or performing a plurality of steps concurrently. It should also be appreciated that the above described description of methods and apparatus are to be interpreted as including apparatus for carrying out the methods, and methods of using the apparatus. The present invention has been described using non-limiting detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that features and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be used with other embodiments and that not all embodiments of the invention have all of the features and/or steps shown in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the embodiments. Variations of embodiments described will occur to persons of the art. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have” and their conjugates, shall mean, when used in the claims, “including but not necessarily limited to.”

It is noted that some of the above described embodiments may describe the best mode contemplated by the inventors and therefore may include structure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not be essential to the invention and which are described as examples. Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts are different, as known in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the elements and limitations as used in the claims. 

1. A method of inspecting a cargo container for chemical or biological materials, comprising: providing a vapor collection unit in the container; allowing vapors to be collected from the container into the collection unit; removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container through a port of the container, not primarily used for loading or removing cargo from the container; and analyzing the vapors collected by the vapor collection unit for traces of one or more particulates.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein providing the vapor collection unit comprises placing the vapor collection unit in the container when the container is at a first location and wherein removing the collection unit comprises removing when the container is at a second location.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein placing the vapor collection unit in the container comprises inserting the collection unit into the container through the port.
 4. A method according to claim 2, wherein analyzing the vapors comprises analyzing by an analyzer not located within the container while the container is transferred to the second location.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container comprises removing the vapor collection unit from the container.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container comprises removing the vapors through the port while the vapor collection unit remains in the container.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the port is substantially smaller than a door of the container through which cargo is loaded into the container.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the port is smaller than 500 square centimeters.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the port leads to a chamber which is separated from the remaining volume of the container at least by barred walls.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein providing the vapor collection unit in the container comprises providing such that at least a portion of a casing of the vapor collection unit remains outside the container.
 11. A method according to claim 1, comprising locking the port in order to limit unauthorized access to the vapor collection unit through the port.
 12. A method according to claim 1, comprising sealing the port in a manner which allows identification of unauthorized access to the vapor collection unit through the port.
 13. A method according to claim 1, comprising operating an air flow generator passing air from the interior of the container through the vapor collection unit so as to induce collection of vapors in the collection unit.
 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein operating the air flow generator comprises operating intermittently.
 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein operating the air flow generator comprises operating substantially continuously until a battery is drained or until the vapors are removed from the container.
 16. A container for transporting cargo, comprising: an enclosure adapted to receive cargo; one or more doors of the enclosure through which cargo may be inserted into the container; a port in the enclosure substantially smaller than the one or more doors; and a holding fixture adjacent the port, adapted to hold a vapor collection unit adjacent the port.
 17. A container according to claim 16, wherein the port has an opening area of less than 200 square centimeters.
 18. A container according to claim 16, comprising a vapor collection unit within the holding fixture.
 19. A container according to claim 16, comprising an air flow generator permanently fixed adjacent the port.
 20. A container according to claim 16, comprising a port door adapted to cover the port.
 21. A container according to claim 20, wherein the port door is configured to close automatically when not held open. 